Grant or payment · Northern Ireland
Innovation Partnerships (Farming for Sustainability - Innovation)
Funding for farmer-led operational groups working with researchers or industry experts on innovative projects.
- From
- DAERA, delivered through CAFRE
- How much
- Stage 1: up to 14 applications get up to £6,500 to develop a plan. Stage 2: up to 7 projects get up to £150,000 over three years, plus up to £40,000 capital grant at 50%.
- Who can apply
- Collaborations of at least two applicants from different organisations, at least one a farm business with a DAERA Category 1 Business ID.
- Opens
- 5 May 2026
- Closes
- 12 June 2026
What you’ll need
- DAERA Category 1 Farm Business ID
- Partner organisation with relevant expertise
How to apply
- Closed for 2026 (closed Friday 12 June 2026)
- Ask about future rounds: [email protected]
No date for a future round published.
Similar schemes
- Innovation Visits and Innovation Farms Open all yearDAERA, delivered through CAFREGroup visits to see innovative farming practice outside Northern Ireland, and visits to local Innovation Farms.
- Farm Resilience Programme and other farm programmes Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside Fund (formerly the Prince's Countryside Fund)Free business and environmental training for family farms, including Farm Resilience, Routes to Regen, Savings in Soil and Working with Water.
- Horticulture Pilot Scheme Check it’s runningDAERA, delivered through CAFREPilot support for production horticulture: Innovation Driver and Support (capital for new crops, technologies or systems), Sustainable Sector Growth Groups, and Growers' Training and Support.
- Supporting Rural Communities grants Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside FundGrants to groups for young people, community projects, farm succession and rural resilience.
Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1, 2. Always read the official page before you apply.